Green Archers, Tamaraws target shares of top spot

Defending champion De La Salle University and Far Eastern University (FEU) are aiming to join Ateneo de Manila University on top when they face separate foes today in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 77 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

La Salle battles University of the Philippines (UP) at 2 p.m. while FEU tackles last year’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas (UST) at 4 p.m.

Ateneo took the solo lead after holding off University of the East (UE) last Wednesday, 78-73, for a 7-2 card. La Salle and FEU are sharing the No. 2 spot with 6-2 each followed by National University (6-3), UST (4-4), UE (4-5), UP (1-7) and Adamson University (0-9).

The Green Archers are still in high spirits following their 88-86 victory over the Blue Eagles last Sunday with Jeron Teng leading the scoring cudgels with 32 huge points.

Jason Perkins was also unstoppable in that win, scoring 18 points and 10 boards while rookie Julian Sargent and veteran Robert Bolick added a combined 21-point output.

La Salle is heavily favored against UP which absorbed a 48-68 lopsided loss to UE the last time out.

The Fight Maroons must go all-out to pull off an upset against the reigning titlist. Mikee Reyes and Kyles Lao, the team’s leading scorers, are expected to carry UP along with JR Gallarza, Henry Asilum and Angelo Vito.